"It's part of growing up in the game. I meet with the baserunners and go over the different signs that catchers try to use," Quirk said. "If you aren't trying to do it, then you aren't trying to win."

Quirk wasn't talking about shoplifting, but sign pillaging. It's standard operating procedure in baseball. As Rockies pitcher Matt Herges said, he would be insulted if an opponent didn't try to steal his catcher's signs or see if he was tipping his pitches.

Stealing signs isn't cheating in baseball. It's as much a part of the game as peanuts and Cracker Jack. So, many baseball players found the story of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick more amusing than disturbing. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fined Belichick $500,000, the Patriots $250,000 and ordered the team to give up next year's first-round draft pick if it reaches the playoffs.

Belichick was punished for having a Patriots mole videotape the New York Jets' defensive signals during last week's rout. Baseball is famous for its use of video, with coaches and players dissecting a pitcher's delivery, and in some cases, a catcher's signs. The reaction of several Rockies to the Belichick situation: Shame on the Jets.

"Obviously, the Patriots must be good at it because they are doing a lot of winning," Quirk said. "If they are getting your signs, then change them. It's your fault."

Belichick has been ripped for his actions. He's come across as Richard Nixon, the Meadowlands his Watergate. He was going to win anyway, why resort to clandestine video spies? The New York tabloids dubbed him Snoop Dog, and he's been compared to Barry Bonds.

To be clear, I have no issue with stealing signs. But Belichick crossed the invisible line.

Like Belichick, Bonds is considered a fraud in many circles, someone great who chose to use an illegal edge to enhance his performance. Belichick compromised the game's integrity with his actions. It's troubling that he would go to such great lengths to win a football game - especially considering his team had better coaches and players.

It's blurry ethics between gamesmanship and bold arrogance. Belichick went orange jumpsuit by resorting to modern technology. Had he just had an assistant or a player steal signals from the sideline, he would be applauded for embarrassing the Jets. Instead, he embarrassed himself.

"Stealing signs is part of football, but using video cameras takes it to a different level. That's espionage," said Rockies minor-leaguer Seth Smith, a former quarterback at Ole Miss. "I used to try and steal signs from the other team. Against LSU, I picked off that they were running a screen pass and told our defensive coordinator who was screaming at the defensive end to stay home as the ball was being snapped."

Nonverbal language in public is fair game to be swiped. But when intelligence turns to video surveillance, it's not eavesdropping. It's cheating.

Growing fan club

It won't be known until November if Matt Holliday's thrashing of the Phillies increased his chances at becoming the National League MVP. He did, however, convert Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel.

"He's improved 100 percent. He's big and strong and has a very basic setup with balance," said Manuel, whose area of expertise is hitting. "He loads up good and has good bat speed. You put all those ingredients together and you have a hitter who sprays the ball all over the field."

Footnotes

One thing that has become clear the past few weeks is that the Rockies were serious about moving reliever Brian Fuentes at the trading deadline. The Rockies studied Boston's prospects at the end of the July trying to locate a match. With Fuentes hurt, the Red Sox turned their attention to Eric Gagne. It's possible the teams could find a fit this offseason. Another potential trade partner is Philadelphia, which privately has interest in both Fuentes and Garrett Atkins. ... Carlos Zambrano has won just twice since receiving his $91 million contract. The Cubs can't go anywhere without Zambrano pitching like an ace. ... It's all but decided that Detroit's Carlos Guillen will move from shortstop to first base next season. ... Toronto's Vernon Wells is expected to undergo offseason shoulder surgery, which partly explains the precipitous drop in his statistics this season. ... Omar Vizquel wants to play two more years and there are growing signs the Giants will re-sign him for next season. ... Dontrelle Willis could use a change of scenery. In games with crowds and real intensity - see San Francisco against Barry Bonds - he has pitched well. Expect the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, both New York teams and possibly the Rockies to make a run at him this offseason. ... General manager Terry Ryan, a shrewd talent evaluator, stepping down makes it more likely the Twins will shop pitcher Johan Santana this offseason. He is looking at a $150 million contract in two years, which the Twins will never pay. ... Center fielder Torii Hunter to Texas makes a lot of sense.

EYE ON ...

DAVID WRIGHT, 3B, NEW YORK METS

Background: A star athlete in Chesapeake, Va. - the same area that produced the Upton brothers - Wright was chosen with the 38th pick in the 2001 draft. He made his debut in 2004 and has been the Mets' version of Derek Jeter since.

What's up: Wright suffered through a miserable start, creating hives for Mets' executives, to say nothing of panicked fantasy-league owners. He went homerless in April. Unfazed, he regained his traction and has hit .327 with 29 home runs and 91 RBIs since May 1. Said a National League scout who files regular reports on the Mets: "He didn't let the start bring him down or let New York get into his head like it does so many players. He's a great hitter and he just started doing what he's always done." Steve Phillips, the general manager who drafted him, and Sandy Alomar Sr., a coach with the Mets, rave about Wright's character and makeup. "He's a hard worker," Alomar Sr. said.

What's next: One national writer predicted the publicity machine that is the New York Mets would drive Wright to the NL MVP award. Chipper Jones told me two years ago that the kid would become the next Scott Rolen - a power hitter with athleticism at third base. He was right about Wright.

Renck's take: Wright's not just a star, he's bright. He asked for shares in Vitamin Water rather than appearance money and could stand to make as much as $20 million. His approachability is refreshing, and he's accountable. Oh yeah, he has a chance to join the 30-home run, 30-stolen base club this season. The final hurdle for Wright is a strong playoff showing. Great players - especially those who call New York home - are measured by October. If the Mets reach the World Series, Wright must be the offensive catalyst.

AT ISSUE

INSTANT REPLAY COULD CURTAIL UMPIRE MISTAKES

What: Upon having the Rockies' third home run disallowed this season by an umpire, manager Clint Hurdle called on baseball to consider implementing instant replay.

Background: In the new fan-friendly ballparks, people can hang over the outfield fence unobstructed. It makes for a great view and also creates ripe conditions for fan interference and difficult home run judgment calls for umpires. In Cincinnati and St. Louis, seats robbed the Rockies of home runs. The baseballs were hit sharply to center field, cleared the fence and ricocheted back into play. In both instances the umpires ruled the balls were doubles, though replay clearly showed otherwise. Neither call cost the Rockies - which can't be said about Monday's decision by first-base umpire Mike DiMuro. He initially ruled a grand slam on Yorvit Torrealba's ball to right field, then signaled a double. The Rockies were deprived of two runs in a game they ultimately lost 6-5.

Renck's take: Generally speaking, I have no stomach for whining. Bad calls are part of the game and you expect them to even out over the course of a season. That said, given the technology available, it seems foolish not to use instant replay on foul ball and home run calls. Commissioner Bud Selig has no appetite for instant replay, which is part of the reason the issue goes nowhere when discussed annually at the general managers' meetings. Hurdle said tradition can be a vision- killer and wondered if it would take an umpire's safety being jeopardized by an idiot fan's threat before replay would be considered. There's reluctance to slow the pace of the game or remove the human element. Here's the compromise, as I discussed with Hurdle: Any ball that is subject to review cannot be argued by the managers. That would actually increase the speed of the game since they are on the field for several minutes kicking and screaming before being ejected. Tradition makes no sense if a game is swayed by the wrong decision. This rule, however, won't be challenged until the Red Sox or Yankees lose a playoff game because of a botched home run call.

THE RISE AND FALL: HOT METS BIDING TIME

THREE UP

1. Mets: Just go to four-corner offense and run out the clock.

2. Red Sox: Trying to break Yankees' grip on AL East crown that dates to 1998.

Rockies relief pitcher John Axford, who hasn't pitched for the team since last Wednesday, was forced to leave spring training camp after his 2-year-old son was bit by a rattlesnake twice in his right foot.

One-day event to run slide down University HillIt's not quite the alternative mode of transportation that Boulder's used to, but, for one day this summer, residents will be able to traverse several city blocks atop inflatable tubes.

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